I'm close to buying a SIII 109 ex MOD FFR truck converted to 12V (mostly), RHD and at the very end of the line for a 109 ('84). It's very original with exception of the 12V conversion and inner fenders replaced (I think due to the holes cut in them for FFR duty). Only rust is at the very rear on the triangulation for the rear bumper/cross member and it's not rotted, everything else is in very good shape. Comes with soft top in decent shape and runs/drives/stops. A few dings and dents in the body but nothing bad. Electricals all work except the gauges, they even maintained the properly working convoy switch for the lights, which are the screw in type. Also comes with a 4 door safari hard top, roof rack and rear door from a santana defender if I want it (which I do), but that would require some modification to fit to the windshield and some panels fabricated for where the rear doors go (I'm thinking cabinets or tilt out windows, or both and swap them depending on use).
Needs rear tires, the gauges fixed and some carb tuning as it runs fine with choke on, but not with it all the way off. I'm a (micro)electrical engineer by education so the electricals don't scare me.
I've wanted one since a kid and after having a slew of Jeeps, it's time for something new with some more room and capacity for carting stuff and people around.
Things I like - 109 (tired of the lack of room in the swb Jeeps), SIII as I prefer the styling and simplicity to the later defenders, beefy military suspension, military simplicity, hood mounted spare, comes with a safari roof and rack setup.
Things I don't like - RHD (no biggie), army green paint (wife hates the military look and I would rather sandglow), 2 door (would prefer 4), work to fit the safari roof (which I'd prefer for any overlanding/camping). My uses would be the occasional off-road adventure, some camping and a bunch of general work on my property. I also have a warn vr8000 winch to throw on it that's coming off of my Jeep.
What I'd like to do is do it up camel trophy support vehicle style with the safari top and rack and side cabinets mounted where the rear doors would be. I'm not talking camel trophy badges, over the top lighting and all, but in that style and color using the parts it comes with and adding my winch and a few other small things.
Any ideas on what I should pay? I drove it around and it really needs nothing to be usable as-is, though it would be nice to know the engine temp and fuel level before doing anything crazy.
Needs rear tires, the gauges fixed and some carb tuning as it runs fine with choke on, but not with it all the way off. I'm a (micro)electrical engineer by education so the electricals don't scare me.
I've wanted one since a kid and after having a slew of Jeeps, it's time for something new with some more room and capacity for carting stuff and people around.
Things I like - 109 (tired of the lack of room in the swb Jeeps), SIII as I prefer the styling and simplicity to the later defenders, beefy military suspension, military simplicity, hood mounted spare, comes with a safari roof and rack setup.
Things I don't like - RHD (no biggie), army green paint (wife hates the military look and I would rather sandglow), 2 door (would prefer 4), work to fit the safari roof (which I'd prefer for any overlanding/camping). My uses would be the occasional off-road adventure, some camping and a bunch of general work on my property. I also have a warn vr8000 winch to throw on it that's coming off of my Jeep.
What I'd like to do is do it up camel trophy support vehicle style with the safari top and rack and side cabinets mounted where the rear doors would be. I'm not talking camel trophy badges, over the top lighting and all, but in that style and color using the parts it comes with and adding my winch and a few other small things.
Any ideas on what I should pay? I drove it around and it really needs nothing to be usable as-is, though it would be nice to know the engine temp and fuel level before doing anything crazy.